1) It would be difficult to excerpt Pride and Prejudice, but chapters 1-10 establish many of the themes that carry through the novel.
2) What does Austen mean when she writes, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”? What does the word “want” mean here? Why begin the novel this way? Is this still true today?
3) Do a character sketch of Elizabeth, Jane, Bingley, Darcy, Caroline Bingley, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. What kind of people are they?
4) Compare Darcy’s attitude to Elizabeth when he first meets her at the Meryton House to his attitude when they spend days together at Netherfield while Jane is ill.
5) Much of the thematic and character development in Austen’s novels comes through conversation. Identify a conversation between Darcy and Elizabeth that reveals something about their feelings or characters. Explain how the conversation does this.
6) Netherfield is in the country; Mr. Bingley and his company also have a residence in London. How is life in the country and city contrasted in this novel?
7) If you were Elizabeth, would you be embarrassed by your family? Why or why not?